Hamilton & Dundas
Find trails nearby or by transit
Trails Include:
Tew’s Waterfalls & Dundas Peak
Sherman Falls
RBG Hendrie Valley Sanctuary
RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary
Borer’s Falls Conservation Area
Rock Chapel Sanctuary
Tew’s Waterfalls
& Dundas Peak
HOW FAR:
3 km
45 mins - 1.5 hrs
TYPE:
Out & Back
It’s a popular spot for a reason. The waterfall is towering and the peak offers a panoramic view.
Tew’s falls is only a few moments walk from the parking lot. It’s fun seeing how a small and calm creek can turn into a giant waterfall.
The trail to Dundas Peak is an easy walk and offers expansive views of the Dundas and Hamilton valley.
*The parking is often full and the only way to explore the park is to take a shuttle bus from Christie Lake Conservation Area.
*Limited access by transit but if you take the bus #05 to Bond at King. Then continue walking along King St W until you cross the train tracks. Join the Bruce Trail here and follow it until Tews Falls Lookout Trail. This trail will take you to Dundas Peak and Tew’s Waterfall.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking
Sherman Falls
HOW FAR:
1.5 km
20 mins
TYPE:
Out & Back
The waterfall is a quick walk from the road but it still feels secluded and peaceful. The waterfall is quite impressive and fantastic for photographs.
While it will be tempting to park on the side of the road, you’ll want to use parking lot. Parking police come by often.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking
Royal Botanical Gardens Hendrie Valley Sanctuary
HOW FAR:
4.5 km
45 mins - 1.5 hrs
TYPE:
Loops
This little valley is a perfect escape where you will explore this wetland environment. There are boardwalks and riverside trails.
Enjoy the sounds of chirping birds and rustling grasses. It’s very peaceful with an impressive network of paths and trails.
*You can extend this walk by joining the Hidden Valley Multi-Use Trail from the Creek Side Walk trail.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking
Royal Botanical Garden Cootes Paradise Sanctuary
HOW FAR:
+10 km
2 - 2.5 hrs
TYPE:
Loops
This is one of my favourites. You get to walk through forests, past creeks, an arboretum, and along a shoreline with views of Hamilton.
Cootes Paradise Sanctuary is the largest and most diverse of the Royal Botanical Garden spaces. The sanctuary is a major stopover for migratory birds.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking
GOOGLE MAPS:
Cootes Paradise Sanctuary
PARKING:
Arboretum (Main Gate)
Borer’s Falls Conservation Area
HOW FAR:
7 km
1.5 hrs - 2 hrs
TYPE:
Out & Back
The waterfall is a fun part of the hike but it’s nothing exceptional. The wooded trail and rolling ravine is what makes it so enjoyable.
It’s not a long trail but the elevation means its a little more tiring. It connects to Rock Chapel Sanctuary and Cootes Paradise Sanctuary so you’re able to extend your hike as long as you want.
The waterfall is found near the above parking. It is near the road, which is less tranquil but the view from the escarpment is nice.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking
Rock Chapel Sanctuary
HOW FAR:
2.5 km
30 mins - 1 hr
TYPE:
Out & Back or Loop
This casual trail takes you along the escarpment offering views of Cootes Paradise Sanctuary with its lake, creeks, canals, and expansive green space.
This is a great place to walk your dog or clear your head since it’s a simple path with stunning views and rarely busy.
LEVEL:
Easy
DOG FRIENDLY:
Yes
FEE:
Parking